You can hear

the quiet breathing of angels

as they lay

face down on the ground

Don't be afraid

you'll be all right.

You can see their backs

tore open

wounded flesh

and feathers akimbo

You know their stories

you helped them write tales of woe

upon bathroom walls

slashed in blood

Don't worry

you'll be fine.

In the aftermath of pandemonium

shed the spikes and dive in

deep into what once was

a fairy-tale gone bad

You can smell the blood

reminders of turpentine kisses

freckling your skin

from collar to hip

You are not alone,

you were never alone.

© Christine Bottas. All rights reserved 2015-2017.